James 'Jim' T. Walch

James “Jim” Thomas Walch, 71, of Elkader, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. James was born to Tom Walch and Betty (Costigan) Walch on Feb. 19, 1953. Jim grew up in Elkader and, like most boys, spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with his father Tom. At his mother Betty’s wishes, he took art lessons locally, which had a significant effect later in life. He attended grade school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and high school at Central Community School in Elkader. Being small of stature in high school, he was the manager for various sports teams or was taping injuries for the football team. He was involved with the arts and worked with a local music band “Solar Wind.” After graduating high school, Jim attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He excelled at lithographic printmaking and painting, selling artwork as a student. At school, he formed a partnership with a friend, David Williams, painting apartments to help pay for college. In recognition of his outstanding artwork, Jim was granted close to a year of college credits.
Upon graduation with a bachelor of fine arts, in 1975 he moved to Omaha to sell his artwork in galleries there and in Des Moines. Jim contacted his friend David in New Hampshire, and they formed a new partnership, Walch and Williams Studio, creating fine art jewelry which they sold at galleries throughout New England and nearby states. In 1980, their work was highlighted in a show in the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian Institute. In 1989, Walch and Williams Studio moved to Elkader to enable Jim to spend more time in his hometown with his parents. His business thrived in his hometown. Jim was able to go on cherished fishing excursions with his dad and enjoyed many glorious days fly fishing. He happily reconnected with Elkader and in his free time enjoyed fishing, cycling and canoeing. He loved fossil hunting in the Driftless Area and, over the years, with encouragement from friend and fossil expert Brian Gossman, the Walch and Williams partnership began a new business of fossil restoration.
Volunteering in Elkader was especially important to Jim. For many years on special holidays, he and his dad would join friends to raise dozens of memorial flags at the courthouse. He served on the board of Main Street Project from its origin. Jim also served on the board of the Carter House Museum for over 30 years. At the museum, he orchestrated the addition of the Carter House Annex, raising much of the funding and serving as a contractor during construction. He remained on the board until he passed away. Jim and local friend Luther Hill formed a committee to restore the Elkader Shelter House when it was in danger of being torn down. With remarkable success, they raised the funds and recruited the workers to restore the building including the replacement of the widows walk.
After retirement from his jewelry business, Jim began working at Fire Farm Inc., a lighting design company in Elkader. He learned many technical facets of the business ranging from powder coating to heat forming acrylic, and ultimately developing into a CGI designer.
During these years, Jim spent much time expanding as a photographer and often displayed his work at the annual Elkader Art in the Park show. Most recently, he enjoyed creating art doing elaborate CGI drawings, often times combining his photographs with his CGI drawings.
Jim was a great artist; he did not work for the financial gain but for the act of creating wonderful things. His honesty and integrity were evident in everything he did. His work evokes spiritual images, sometimes ethereal and other times merely contemplation of a mystery. In recent days, he has often been referred to as a kind and gentle soul. What a true and fine testament this is to a good man.
Jim leaves siblings Susie Pohlmann (Lee), Mary Anne David and Tom Walch (Lisa); nieces and nephews Jennifer Swagler (godchild) (Matt), Eric David, Sara Ehrecke (Ben), Audrey Sidey (John), Michael Walch (godchild) and Megan Walch; an incredibly special 105-year-old Aunt Marge Costigan; six great-nieces and nephews; many other relatives; close friends Linda Varner, Charlotte Varner and Donna Williams; and partner for 54 years, David Williams.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts payable to the Carter House Museum, P.O. Box 444, Elkader, IA 52043.